Instructor’s Guide to Teaching SolidWorks Software Lesson 1 School’s Name Teacher’s Name Date

Using the Interface Use windows to view files. The interface is how you interact with the computer in the following ways: Use windows to view files. Use the mouse to select buttons, menus, and model elements. Run programs — like SolidWorks mechanical design software. Find, open, and work with files. Create, save, and copy files.

Microsoft® Windows® SolidWorks runs on the Microsoft Windows graphical user interface. Windows let you see the work of an application program. Panels are sub sections of windows. Illustration shows one window with two panels.

Using the Mouse The mouse lets you move around the interface. The cursor is the pointer that shows you where the mouse is on the screen. Click the left mouse button to select commands, buttons, geometry, and other elements. Double-click the left mouse button to quickly open a file or folder. Click the right mouse button to access a shortcut menu of frequently used commands.

Running Programs The quickest way to start a program is to double-click on a desktop shortcut. Some programs may not have desktop shortcuts. The Programs menu lists all of the application programs resident on the computer.

Exit a Program Select or click File, Exit to end a program. If the file has unsaved changes, you have the chance to save the them before exiting.

Opening a File The quickest way to open a file is to double-click on it. The File menu displays your most recently used files.

Saving and Copying Files Saving a file preserves the changes that you have made to it. Use File, Save As to copy a file. File, Save As creates an exact duplicate of the file as it existed at the moment that you copied it.

Resizing Windows Allows you to customize the appearance of your screen. View multiple files at the same time. Use to change the size of a window. Use to change the size of panels within a window.

Using the SolidWorks Interface SolidWorks windows display graphic and non- graphic model data. CommandManager tabs display frequently used commands.

Left Side of SolidWorks Window Property Manager Configuration Manager FeatureManager® design tree

Right Side of SolidWorks Window The Task Pane SolidWorks Resources Design Library

Right Side of SolidWorks Window The Task Pane Toolbox File Explorer

CommandManager CommandManager tabs include buttons for frequently used commands. The visible tabs change based on the open document type: part, assembly, or drawing. The CommandManager is displayed at the top of the window.

Getting Help Click . Select Help, SolidWorks Help. To view comprehensive online help: Click . Select Help, SolidWorks Help. Help displays in a separate window.